He’s Hoping the Playbook Has Plenty of Pictures

Since USC apparently leads the nation in athletes who fail to achieve satisfactory scores on their SAT or ACT exams, perhaps USC should change its name to Forrest Gump U.

JACK ALLEN

Pacific Palisades

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A quick reading of the July 13 article (New USC Entrance Test Problem) may create some confusion about how student-athletes are certified for NCAA competition. The NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse was established in 1994 to assist member institutions by establishing prospective students’ eligibility for athletic competition. The clearinghouse makes decisions regarding eligibility by evaluating standardized test scores, course work and other information supplied by a student’s high school.

At USC, our policy is simple--if the NCAA clearinghouse does not certify the eligibility of a recruit, he or she will not be permitted to compete. Should any concerns arise following the initial certification of a student’s eligibility, we will withhold the student from intercollegiate competition until the issue is fully resolved.

The university maintains an uncompromising commitment to excellence at all levels. In our athletic program, this translates to the establishment and maintenance of top-quality athletic teams, a commitment to ensuring that each of our student-athletes earns a degree, and an unwavering resolve to compete with integrity and to honor all guidelines established by the NCAA.

MIKE GARRETT

Athletic Director, USC